If you’re looking for a fun, kid-approved treat that sneaks in extra protein and gut-healthy nutrients, this Bone Broth Frozen Hot Cocoa is about to become your new go-to. Made in the Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl, it’s creamy, chocolatey, and completely customizable with toppings like mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Best of all, it packs way more protein than regular ice cream, making it a smart choice for growing kids- without adding protein powder!
Why This Frozen Hot Cocoa is Perfect for Kids
Parents everywhere know the struggle: finding treats that are both delicious and nutritious. This frozen hot cocoa does both. This Bone Broth Frozen Hot Cocoa is a creative way to make dessert both indulgent and nourishing. With protein, collagen, and amino acids packed in, it’s a treat you can feel good about giving to your kids, and a fun recipe to make together using the Ninja CREAMi.
Chicken Bone Broth: Protein-Packed Goodness
Adding Kettle & Fire chicken bone broth takes this treat to the next level. It’s a natural source of protein, collagen, and amino acids, supporting joint health, gut health, and healthy growth. Sneaking bone broth into a sweet treat is a parent-approved way to boost nutrition without compromising taste.
By adding chicken bone broth to your hot cocoa, you’re giving your child:
Extra protein: Protein supports muscle growth, brain development, and overall energy for active kids.
Collagen and amino acids: Bone broth naturally contains collagen, glycine, and proline, which are great for joints, gut health, and even skin.
Creamy texture without processed fillers: Using warm whole milk and cocoa keeps it rich and satisfying without the need for excessive sugar or artificial ingredients.
Compared to a regular ice cream (about 2 grams of protein per half-cup), this bone broth frozen hot cocoa delivers roughly 10–12 grams of protein per serving, depending on your milk and broth choice. That’s 5x more protein while still being a sweet, kid-friendly treat.
Whole Milk: Creamy & Nourishing
Whole milk gives this frozen hot cocoa its rich, creamy texture, making every sip and spoonful feel indulgent. Beyond flavor, it’s packed with high-quality protein, calcium, and healthy fats—nutrients kids need for growing bones, brains, and energy.
Hot Cocoa Powder
This is where the magic happens! Cocoa powder gives the frozen hot cocoa its classic chocolate flavor and fun, kid-approved sweetness. Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened mixes to control sugar while still keeping the treat delicious. Pick one that's good quality or your favorite, as this will be the main flavor profile in the ice cream. The antioxidants in cocoa are a nice bonus, too.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Approx. per serving (1 cup) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180–220 | Depends on milk fat content |
| Protein | 10–12g | More than traditional ice cream |
| Fat | 8–10g | From whole milk |
| Carbs | 15–20g | From cocoa and optional toppings |
| Sugar | 8–12g | Can reduce with unsweetened cocoa |
| Collagen & Amino Acids | Moderate | Supports gut, skin, joints |
This is a win-win for parents who want a fun, indulgent dessert without sacrificing nutrients. Kids feel like they’re enjoying a treat, while you’re sneaking in high-quality protein and collagen.
The Ninja® CREAMi® Scoop & Swirl makes this recipe extra simple. It transforms your hot cocoa and bone broth mixture into a creamy, frozen treat in minutes.
You can also drink this recipe without freezing it for a regular bone broth hot cocoa, heated on the stovetop!
Bone Broth Frozen Hot Cocoa
Ingredients:
3/4 cup chicken bone broth (I used Kettle & Fire)
- 1 cup warm whole milk
-
1/2 cup hot cocoa powder mix
-
Toppings (optional): mini marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles
Instructions:
Pour bone broth and milk into a microwave safe container, such as a large liquid measuring cup. Microwave until hot, but not boiling (about 30-50 seconds).
Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container and whisk in hot cocoa mix until dissolved. Let cool to lukewarm/room temperature.
Place lid on pint and transfer to a level surface in your freezer. Freeze for at least 24 hours.
Once frozen, remove pint from freezer and take off lid. Place pint into the outer bowl, secure the outer bowl lid, and click into the Ninja Creami machine. Use the Ice Cream function to process the frozen base.
Remove the pint and check the consistency of the ice cream. If it appears crumbly, insert it back into the machine and use the Re-spin function to process it again. If it still appears crumbly, add a few tablespoons of milk and Re-spin again.
If desired, use the swirl function on the Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl.
Add toppings like mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or sprinkles. Serve immediately
Store any leftovers in the freezer; re-process in the Ninja CREAMi before serving.
